For almost 30 years, my real estate practice has placed me in front of planning commissioners, city councils and quorum courts. Russellville the most, but Pottsville, Atkins, Dardanelle and Clarksville at times.

Some of these projects I was involved with personally, but most of the time I was representing a buyer or seller, or both. Never have I been approached in any way at any time in any form of a bribe or payoff. Some of these transactions before the officials were large, with millions of dollars at stake.

The major clients involved certainly had the means to pay but never, ever has it been suggested to me that a payoff would change someone’s vote.

But here is what I do know. All of these people have tried to do their best to help the communities.

They gave freely of their time, talents and abilities for very little or no personal benefits to themselves. Not one of these men and women should be less than praised for doing the best they can.

Many times I have disagreed with the difficult process and sometimes those individuals, but I never felt their disagreement was malicious nor their agreement was for sale.

The current Russellville Planning Commission chairman, Mr. Dennis Boyd, is one of the finest chairmen I have ever stood before.

His personal character is impeccable and his professionalism and supervision of the rules and regulations of the Planning Commission is simply outstanding.

Men and women of integrity and character are highly offended when they are serving for the overall good of the community, then find themselves condemned by things they never have done. Certainly they will make some bad decisions at times, but they are not bad people.

Tony Moore, Russellville

Get the U.S. budget back on track, cut down on spending

We are told every day on the news how our jails and prisons are full. Clean them out, bring our troops home. Stop spending that money. Clean out the prisons — send these people with an one-way ticket to fight our wars.

They already know how to murder and abuse children. Stop spending that money. Some of these people are there for life. Think about the money taxpayers are spending as well as the government. Tell me this would not be a solution. Also, the people that just want to keep breaking the law over and over again for the same thing? Give them a few years instead of a few months the first time, and maybe they would think about what they are doing before they break the law the second time.

Carol Brown, London

Overland Park

Since I do not live in the area of the planned Overland Park subdivision, I do not have a dog in the well-publicized access fight. Other related matters that have come to light, do however, get my attention.

Since the vast majority of the Russellville City Council have no respect for the opinions of experts in these matters, I am curious as to which of the council members plan to take over the duties of Michael Oakes. Also, I would like to know which other council member wants to assume the duties of David Harris. Please step forward, council members, because you obviously believe the services of these two well-educated and experienced men are not needed, as you believe you can better manage the interests of the city. How will this particular subdivision be more in the city’s interest than any other ongoing or proposed subdivision?

How can it be in the city’s best interest, when it obviously violates the city’s long-planned grid system? Perhaps you just as well disband the Planning Commission because they tend to look at the long-range interests of the city rather than cater to political interests.

I am a long-time friend of Richard Perkins and consider him as one of the most thoughtful, straightforward and honest residents of Russellville. Let’s consider his comment as reported.

“How much did it cost you to get the city council to approve your subdivision?” There is a difference between “cost” and “cash.” There is nothing in this statement that accuses Mr. Jetton or anyone else of actually paying cash to anyone!

There is a multitude of other methods available to encourage council members to take your side. I am not accusing Mr. Jetton, or any council members, of doing anything under the table. I am just pointing out that there are other ways of influencing individuals without actually giving them cash.

Richard Perkins owes NO ONE an apology. For many years, he has freely given his time as a far-sighted and thoughtful planner, not only for the interests of the city but for the entire area as well. He deserves praise, not someone fomenting action against him. Perhaps the citizens of Russellville should keep a close eye on the future. Maybe a connection might pop up.

I figured as much, and we still had to endure front page news about letters requesting apology. Just seems silly, then again half the agenda in front of the city goes along with that right now. Did you see the 'walkability' assessment heading this way? Can't wait to hear the outcome of that one too.

I agree, brother crow. Here are just a few reasons to overthrow the king.

The current administration does absolutely nothing to active seek out opportunity for our young people, there has been no internal audit during the entire reign of the current king, and that little group has had control of the checkbook for a very long time. The police department has become too 'cozy' with the local residents, and some can violate city civil code at will. There is so much special dispensation in the law that it is disgraceful.

Another thing. If elected king, Charles Martin will not be employed as a city officer during my reign. I would have to tell you my reasons privately.

More?

There are sitting city council 'men' that are simply not competent to hole the position.

We also need a new city attorney. Can you imagine the conflicts of interest and special dispensation that can occur when the attorney has been a buddy for most of your life?

There are more drugs in the jurisdiction of Atkins and the surrounding area than I have seen in a very long time.

There are more sex offenders than any other city in pope county by at least a factor of ten. I can provide legal methods that will cause them to move on.

I was aware of some of the issues issues you listed, some not. I guess that most of the residents of Atkins either don't know or don't care. Most of the business base seems to be from the more rural County rather than Atkins residents. I've become somewhat less aware since I desisted having coffee every morning at McDonald's. Seems my outlook is too "Blue" to be acceptable here. But when they decided to build the new High School right in the middle of a residential section of town with no room for expansion, parking, poor access, etc, and I looked at Where little ol' Pottsville had the planning and foresight to put theirs, my frustration just sort of peaked, and I became sort of "What the hell" and just resigned my self to just live on the mountain, frequent Russellville, and do an Ostrich thing. Getting too old to fight unwinnable wars for people who just don't care (or don't know). But I share frustration.